VFW Auxiliary decorates war monument in Walnutport

Laurel and Bobby Ohl prepare to place flags in the holders around the veterans' monument.

By ELSA KERSCHNER ekerschner@tnonline.com

"Tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree" were the words of a popular 1970s song by Tony Orlando.

The trees in the Walnutport Park on Washington Street may not be oaks but they sprouted yellow and red, white and blue ribbons as the Ladies Auxiliary to R.W. Fritzinger VFW Post 7215 decorated the park on May 28.

The yellow is for men and women serving in the military now and hoping they come home safely, and the red, white and blue are for those who served previously.

Laurel and Bobby Ohl, the poppy queen and king, placed flags in the holders around the monument. They were for the Gold Star Mothers, United States Veterans, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea and the war on terrorism.

The monument is dedicated "To the noble deeds of Walnutport's men and women who served their country in World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam."

There are plans to renovate the monument and remove some trees where the roots are lifting the stone.

Speakers for the day were Sue Bortz, auxiliary chaplain, and Daniel Farkas, Veterans of Foreign Wars chaplain.

They asked God Almighty to help those who are POWs or MIAs and grant them patience.

"Protect all our forces of the United States of America," said Farkas.

"May they serve with dignity and honor as emissaries of this country. Comfort them and have them return safely."

Bortz said, "We do this for our beloved comrades and sisters."

"Guide us in the way of moral responsibility. Remember our departed," Farkas said.

"Taps" was played.

The old U.S. and POW flags were replaced with new ones. Farkas; Lee Arndt; Karen Bandzi, auxiliary president; and Faith Ohl, the 2010 poppy queen, made the exchange.